June 2012 global catastrophe recap - Impact forecasting

- Severe weather, wildfires and Tropical Storm Debby highlight active month in the United States.- Natural disasters in China cause more than USD3.5 billion in direct economic damages.- Flooding events sweep across parts of Asia, Europe, North America and Africa.

The United Kingdom recorded separate instances of heavy rainfall, with portions of Britain, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales reporting flood damage to homes and other structures. Also in Europe, a rare tornado struck Italy's Venice region and caused USD12.6 million in damage.

The United States endured a highly active month, with multiple natural disaster perils occurring from coast to coast. The most costly event came across portions of Texas and New Mexico when severe thunderstorms pelted areas (including the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region) with golf ball and baseball-sized hail. The Insurance Council of Texas noted that more than 100,000 claims were filed and total insured losses in the state would exceed USD1 billion.

Outside of the United States, China sustained several natural disaster impacts during June. Flooding in nearly 20 provinces left more than 70 people dead, damaged or destroyed 175,000 homes and caused at least USD3 billion in economic losses. Severe weather and multiple earthquakes caused additional fatalities, damage and economic losses of more than USD500 million.